Leslie County Public RecordsKentucky

Leslie County, Kentucky, has an estimated 2023 population of around 9,000. The median age is approximately 44 years, with about 20% under 18 and 21% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (over 97%), with very small percentages of Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%), and other groups. The ethnic composition reflects its rural Appalachian roots, with limited diversity overall.

Leslie County, KY, had approximately 7,600 registered voters in 2022, predominantly Republican (about 85%). Elections held include local, state, and federal races, with recent results showing strong GOP dominance—Donald Trump received over 90% of votes in 2020. Key polling locations include the Leslie County Community Center and Stinnett Elementary School. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance and voter access. Issues often debated locally involve coal mining, economic development, and healthcare. Local administration promotes early and absentee voting, with voter turnout typically around 50-60% in major elections.

Leslie County, KY has five public schools, including Leslie County High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%, while around 10.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in the district are below the state average, with a proficiency rate of about 38% in reading and 32% in math. The county offers adult education and vocational programs. School safety measures include resource officers and emergency plans, contributing to a generally safe learning environment. Educational opportunities are expanding through afterschool and technical programs.

As of 2022, Leslie County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 39.1%. Major industries include health care (21.3%), retail trade (14.4%), and educational services (12.9%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (16.2%), sales (12.6%), and management (11.7%). Around 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 31 minutes. Most residents work within Leslie County, though about 28% commute to neighboring counties such as Perry and Laurel for employment.

Leslie County, KY, has a homeownership rate of around 75%, with a median home value near $80,000 as of 2022. Median gross rent is about $520 monthly. The housing market is stable, with modest price growth in recent years. Homes are primarily single-family houses, often on large lots, with some mobile homes. Neighborhoods are typically rural and tight-knit, centered around Hyden. Property taxes are low, averaging about 0.6% of assessed value. Most residents own rather than rent, reflecting the county’s affordable, rural housing landscape.

Leslie County, KY, reports lower crime rates compared to national averages. As of the latest FBI data, the county had a violent crime rate of 51.4 per 100,000 residents, significantly below the U.S. average of 388. Burglaries and thefts remain the most common offenses, with a property crime rate of 258 per 100,000. Local law enforcement routinely partners with community organizations to improve safety and encourage reporting; in 2023, over 85% of crime incidents were reported within 24 hours. Overall, Leslie County maintains a reputation for safety and proactive crime prevention efforts.